Smart Freight Centre and FIATA join forces to drive Decarbonisation in Global Transport Logistics

Smart Freight Centre (SFC), a leading global non-profit organisation dedicated to reducing climate impacts in the freight sector,

Smart Freight Centre and FIATA Join Forces to Drive Decarbonisation in Global Transport Logistics

Smart Freight Centre (SFC), a leading global non-profit organisation dedicated to reducing climate impacts in the freight sector, and FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations signed a partnership agreement on 26 September 2024 at the 2024 FIATA World Congress held in Panama. This collaboration represents a pivotal step in accelerating the decarbonisation of transport emissions within the logistics industry, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“This is a further milestone for SFC, partnering with a prominent industry association in the transport value chain. Following our agreement with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a global trade association that represents airlines and sets industry standards, in March this year, the partnership with FIATA will ignite more segments in the transport sector to join collaborative efforts in reducing carbon emissions,” said Andrea Schoen, Director at Smart Freight Centre.

Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General, echoed this sentiment, stating: “As the global voice of freight logistics, FIATA is committed to leading the logistics industry towards more sustainable practices. This partnership with SFC is a crucial opportunity to equip FIATA Members with the best knowledge and tools necessary to drive meaningful reductions in emissions and foster long-term sustainability.”

As a first joint initiative, SFC and FIATA will launch a co-branded emissions accounting training programme. This training is designed to assist small and medium-sized logistics entities worldwide in consistently reporting their carbon impact and making informed decisions on effective emission reduction strategies.

This partnership signals a unified effort by both organisations to provide the logistics sector with the tools and knowledge needed to meet global decarbonisation goals and support sustainable development. Read mote from FIATA >

Related Topic: IFS is a member of FIATA >

 

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Freight forwarding goes right back to the 1800’s!

Back in 1836, Thomas Meadows and Company Limited of London, began to see the need for this industry following the demand created by more reliable rail transport and steamships. Trade was increasing to Europe and North America in particular. In fact the first freight forwarders were London innkeepers who forwarded on the luggage of their hotel guests!

A key element of freight forwarding then, which still exists to this day, was the advice and professional handling of documentation and customs requirements, specialist international knowledge. As worldwide connections continued and continue to increase the demand for freight forwarding has just kept on growing right up to the present day.

Ironically, rail freight in particular, has never been in such high demand with the shortage of truck drivers and the need to reduce the carbon footprint of road miles. Currently 25% of containers from ports are transported by rail, whilst 75% travel on road freight, which means that there are great opportunities for more use of rail freight.

A freight train consumes as little as a third of the energy required by a truck and saves more than 80% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Not only does the future look bright for the industry, but also for our planet!

Related articles:
Boost for rail freight as Network Rail cuts prices… >


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Logistics giant DP World to boost UK trade with £1bn expansion of London Gateway

Global logistics giant DP World has today announced a £1bn expansion of London Gateway to make it Britain’s largest container port within five years in a boost to the volume and resilience of international trade.

Do you Import Goods from the Far East? If so, It’s Good News for you!DP World will increase capacity of London Gateway’s port by building two new shipping berths, taking the total to six berths able to receive the world’s largest container ships. The site will also see a second rail terminal added to handle the expected increase in containerised trade.

By the end of the decade, the full quayside stretching more than 2.5km in length will be able to simultaneously receive six vessels, each more than 400 metres long, and boast Europe’s tallest quay cranes at the height of the Big Ben.

The expansion will create a further 400 permanent new jobs, in addition to the 1,200 currently employed at the site, and is the culmination of a rapid growth plan for the Thames Estuary hub which opened in 2013 and has been a catalyst for economic regeneration in south Essex.

The expansion will take the total invested by DP World at London Gateway to more than £3bn, converting the site of a former oil refinery into one of the UK’s largest and most important logistics hubs. The site has most recently seen the addition of a £350m fourth berth, the first to be powered entirely by electricity, and which will soon accept its first ship.

DP World has established Europe’s largest logistics park, employing 1,500 workers, as a counterweight to the Midlands-based ‘golden triangle’ of UK logistics. Tenants at the park benefit from storage, warehousing and distribution services linked to excellent rail freight and motorway connections, and quick access to the important consumer market of London and the South East. Fast-track planning consent enables businesses to erect new facilities in response to demand.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at DP World said: “DP World London Gateway will help make Britain’s trade flow in the future by connecting domestic exporters with global markets and delivering vital supply chain resilience for the whole economy. I am proud of this major investment which underlines DP World’s long-term commitment to the UK.”
Read more from DP World >

 

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Staff Profiles – Introducing… Jamie H

 

International Freight Consultant, Jamie Hawksworth

Jamie began life at IFS in 2022 after being offered a six month placement via the Kickstart Scheme. At the end of the Scheme, Jamie was offered a permanent place at IFS as an International Freight Consultant. He brings enthusiasm along with outstanding IT skills and general knowledge. Jamie is a quick learner and was always very eager to further develop his career and learn much more about the Freight Industry. Jamie is a fantastic all-rounder and has become an integral part of the team.

We asked Jamie a few questions about his time in and outside of work…​

What might a typical day at IFS look like for you? “A typical day involves assisting both new and existing customers with their shipping needs, offering guidance, providing quotations, and handling bookings from start to finish. At IFS, our focus is always on finding the best solutions tailored to each customer’s requirements. In the time I’m not directly dealing with customers, I help out with managing our CRM system to ensure the database is up-to-date and send out regular updates to our new and existing clients. As well as updating documents / templates we offer to our customers to ensure the booking process is keep as easy as possible”.

What kind of customers or businesses do you get to work with? “We work with a wide range of customers, from individuals looking to ship family heirlooms or artwork, whether they are relocating or sending goods internationally. To large businesses, including manufacturing, where we help companies move car parts and machinery, to retail businesses shipping consumer goods such as electronics, and accessories. At IFS, no matter the goods, we always try our best to offer a reliable and friendly solution for our customers”.

What do you love most about your role? “What I enjoy most about my role is the incredible variety it offers. Every day is different, as I get to work with businesses shipping a wide range of goods to destinations all over the world. Sometimes, a request comes in for an obscure location that makes me think, ‘Where is that?’ or I find myself handling a shipment of unique or fascinating items that leaves me thinking ‘Wow!’. Beyond the logistics side, the best part is the relationships we build with our clients. Knowing that I’m helping make their lives a little easier is a special feeling. At IFS, we genuinely believe that adding a personal touch to our interactions always provides that extra trust with our customers”.

How do you relax when you are not at work? “When I’m not at work, I love unwinding by taking my Husky, Milo, and his little companion, Bailey, a Chihuahua, out for walks. If I’m not out with them, I enjoy relaxing by playing video games or catching up on YouTube. I also have an interest in storm chasing, particularly tornadoes, and I often watch one of my favourite chasers, Reed Timmer. On some weekends, I like to escape the daily routine by heading to the east coast with my family, making the most of the little warm weather we get. I also enjoy spending time at the pub, which often leads to a bit of dancing and singing, but we’ll keep that last part to ourselves!”.

Always here to help

If you need assistance from a freight forwarder with any shipment, no matter how large or small, we at IFS are always ready to advise on a freight solution. Simply call our friendly and helpful team on: +44 (0) 1709 610 000, or send a message >

Postponement of EU Entry/Exit system “good for business” says Logistics UK

Logistics UK responds to the government announcement that the introduction of BTOM (Border Target Operating Model) Safety and Security declarations is to be delayed.

Reports that the introduction of the European Entry and Exit System (EES) is to be delayed has been welcomed by Logistics UK. The system, which will see passengers fingerprinted on entry to the EU, was due to be introduced from 10 November but reports indicate this date could be pushed back.

“Reports that the full introduction of EES is set to be delayed will be welcomed by logistics businesses,” says Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at Logistics UK. “Our members have been warning for some time that if the system is rolled out on 10 November, without robust testing of IT systems and without the availability of an App to facilitate registration away from the border, then costly disruption and delays at peak passenger periods are inevitable for hauliers and GB EU trade.

“Analysis we have undertaken with independent modelling experts MDS Transmodal show that even if delays were limited to 90 minutes for the 3.35 million HGVs that passed through the Short Straits in 2023, the cost to the economy would be £400 million pa. This is a cost that the logistics industry cannot just absorb, not least because our members already operate on incredibly narrow margins and are facing rising operating costs that are putting pressure on their ability to keep trading.

“Businesses and consumers need goods to arrive as swiftly and seamlessly as possible and it is encouraging to hear that more time is to be made available to iron out issues and implement solutions to ensure that the supply chain can continue to move smoothly.

“While a new introduction date has yet to be confirmed by the EU, it is vital for our sector that the UK government maintains close conversation with its European counterparts to ensure that the test of Member State readiness has, at its core, the smooth flow of freight and trade across the Channel; a critical GB EU supply chain route.”

Read more from Logistics UK >

 

 

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